10587693

Mirrored Queues

PublishedMarch 10, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
23 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A system comprising: a first playback device associated with a first household and configured to play back media items from a first playback queue; a physically-separate user device that is configured to communicate with the first playback device via a local area network; and a second playback device associated with a second household and configured to play back media items from a second playback queue, wherein the second playback device is outside of a communication range of the local area network and wherein the first playback device is configured to communicate with the second playback device via a wide area network, the user device comprising: a first processor; a first network interface; a first non-transitory computer-readable storage medium; and program logic stored on the first non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by the first processor to: receive a first user input indicating a command to search a database of social contacts, wherein the database of social contacts includes a particular social contact associated with the second playback device that is configured to play back media items from the second playback queue; receive a second user input indicating that the first playback device is to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device, wherein the second user input comprises a selection of the particular social contact; and based on the received second user input, send a command to mirror to the first playback device instructing the first playback device to update the first playback queue of the first playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device; the second playback device comprising: a second processor; a second network interface; a second non-transitory computer-readable storage medium; and program logic stored on the second non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by the second processor to: send, to the first playback device, an indication of one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device; and the first playback device comprising: a third processor; a third network interface; a third non-transitory computer-readable storage medium; and program logic stored on the third non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by the third processor to: receive, from the user device, the command instructing the first playback device to update the first playback queue of the first playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device; as a result of receiving the command from the user device, obtain an indication of one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device; in response to obtaining the indication of the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device, determine that the first playback device has access to at least one media source that has the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device; in response to the determination that the first playback device has access to at least one media source that has the one or more media items identified in the playback queue of the second playback device, update the first playback queue of the first playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device such that the one or more items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device are the same as the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device; and after updating the first playback queue of the first playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device, play back the one or more media items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The system of claim 1 , the first playback device further comprising program logic executable by the third processor to: before receiving the command, send a request to the second playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device.

Plain English Translation

A system for synchronizing media playback across multiple playback devices addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent playback states when users switch between devices. The system includes a first playback device, a second playback device, and a third playback device, each with processors and communication interfaces. The first playback device is configured to receive a command to mirror the playback queue of the second playback device. Before receiving this command, the first playback device sends a request to the second playback device to mirror its playback queue. The second playback device, upon receiving the request, transmits its current playback queue to the first playback device. The first playback device then synchronizes its playback queue with the second device's queue, ensuring both devices play the same media in the same order. The third playback device may also participate in this synchronization process, allowing multiple devices to maintain consistent playback states. This system enables seamless transitions between devices without disrupting playback continuity, improving user experience in multi-device media environments.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The system of claim 1 , the first playback device further comprising program logic executable by the third processor to: receive a message indicating that the first playback device is to update the first playback queue of the first playback device based on updates to the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device; and based on the received message, update the first playback queue of the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a synchronized media playback system where multiple playback devices maintain coordinated playback queues. The problem addressed is ensuring that changes to a media queue in one device are reflected in another device, maintaining consistency across the system. The system includes at least two playback devices, each with a processor and a playback queue storing media items. The first playback device monitors the second playback device's queue and updates its own queue when changes occur. The first device receives a message indicating that its queue should be updated based on modifications to the second device's queue, such as additions, removals, or reordering of media items. Upon receiving this message, the first device updates its queue to match the changes, ensuring both devices remain synchronized. The system may also include a third playback device that facilitates communication between the first and second devices, ensuring updates are propagated efficiently. The third device may act as a central coordinator, relaying messages or managing synchronization logic. The first device's program logic ensures that queue updates are applied automatically, maintaining consistency without manual intervention. This approach is useful in multi-device media playback environments, such as smart speakers or streaming systems, where users expect seamless synchronization across devices. The invention improves user experience by reducing discrepancies between playback queues on different devices.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The system of claim 1 , the first playback device further comprising program logic executable by the third processor to: receive a playback command from the user device to modify playback of the one or more media items in the first playback queue of the first playback device; and based on the received playback command, modify playback of the one or more media items in the first playback queue of the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing media playback across multiple devices includes a first playback device with a first processor and a first playback queue for media items, a second playback device with a second processor and a second playback queue, and a third playback device with a third processor. The first playback device receives a playback command from a user device to modify playback of media items in its playback queue and executes program logic to adjust playback accordingly. The system allows users to control media playback on one device while dynamically updating the playback queue of another device. This enables synchronized or coordinated playback across multiple devices, ensuring consistent media experiences. The system may also include synchronization logic to maintain alignment between playback queues and devices, ensuring seamless transitions and modifications. The invention addresses the challenge of managing media playback across distributed devices, providing users with centralized control and real-time adjustments to playback sequences.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The system of claim 1 , the first playback device further comprising program logic executable by the third processor to: receive, from the user device, a second command indicating that the first playback device is to transmit a review of the first playback queue; and based on the second command, transmit the review of the first playback queue.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a multi-device audio playback system designed to synchronize and manage playback queues across multiple playback devices. The system addresses the challenge of coordinating audio playback among different devices, ensuring seamless transitions and consistent user experiences. The system includes at least three playback devices, each with a processor and a network interface, and a user device that communicates with these playback devices. The first playback device is responsible for managing a primary playback queue, which determines the sequence of audio tracks to be played. The system allows the user device to send commands to the first playback device to modify the playback queue, such as adding, removing, or reordering tracks. The first playback device then updates the playback queue and synchronizes these changes with the other playback devices, ensuring all devices play the same sequence of tracks in unison. Additionally, the first playback device can receive a command from the user device to transmit a review of the playback queue, which provides the user with details about the current and upcoming tracks in the queue. This review helps users monitor and adjust the playback sequence as needed, enhancing the overall user experience. The system ensures real-time synchronization and consistent playback across all connected devices, improving audio playback coordination in multi-device environments.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The system of claim 1 , the first playback device further comprising program logic executable by the third processor to: receive a second command, the second command indicating that the first playback device is to stop mirroring of the second playback queue of the second playback device; in response to the second command, stop mirroring of the second playback queue of the second playback device; and restore a prior playback queue that is associated with the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing synchronized audio playback across multiple playback devices includes a first playback device and a second playback device. The first playback device is configured to mirror a playback queue from the second playback device, allowing the first playback device to play the same audio content as the second device in a synchronized manner. The system ensures that the first playback device can seamlessly switch between its own playback queue and the mirrored queue of the second device. The first playback device includes program logic that receives a command to stop mirroring the second device's playback queue. Upon receiving this command, the first playback device ceases mirroring the second device's queue and restores its prior playback queue, resuming playback from where it left off before the mirroring began. This allows users to dynamically switch between synchronized playback with another device and independent playback, enhancing flexibility in multi-device audio systems. The system is particularly useful in environments where multiple playback devices are used, such as home entertainment setups or smart speaker networks, where users may need to switch between synchronized and independent playback modes.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second playback device controls whether the first playback device plays, skips, or stops playback of the one or more items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device and the first playback device does not control whether the first playback device plays, skips, or stops playback of the one or more items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a multi-device audio playback system where one device controls playback operations for another device. The system includes at least two playback devices, each with its own playback queue of audio items. The second playback device determines whether the first playback device plays, skips, or stops playback of the items in its queue, while the first playback device itself has no control over these playback actions. This setup allows centralized control of playback operations, ensuring synchronized or coordinated playback between devices without requiring the primary playback device to manage its own playback decisions. The system may also include additional features such as wireless communication between devices, user interfaces for managing queues, and synchronization mechanisms to maintain playback alignment. The invention addresses the need for seamless, coordinated audio playback across multiple devices while maintaining a clear hierarchy of control.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a third playback device associated with a third household and having a third playback queue, the third playback device comprising: a fourth processor; a fourth network interface; a fourth non-transitory computer-readable storage medium; and program logic stored on the fourth non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by the fourth processor to: update the third playback queue of the third playback device to mirror the first playback queue of the first playback device such that one or more items identified in the third playback queue of the third playback device are the same as the one or more media items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

A multi-device media playback system synchronizes playback queues across multiple households. The system addresses the problem of manually managing media playback across different locations by automatically mirroring playback queues between devices in separate households. The system includes a first playback device in a first household with a first playback queue and a second playback device in a second household with a second playback queue. The second playback device updates its queue to mirror the first device's queue, ensuring identical media items are played in both households. Additionally, a third playback device in a third household includes a processor, network interface, and storage medium with program logic to update its third playback queue to mirror the first device's queue. This ensures all three households play the same media items in the same order. The system enables seamless, synchronized media playback across geographically distributed households without manual intervention.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the first household is the same as the third household such that the first playback device and the third playback device are associated with the first household; and wherein obtaining an indication of one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device comprises receiving permission to mirror the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device after the third playback device sent a request to the second playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a media playback system that enables queue mirroring between playback devices in different households. The system addresses the problem of users wanting to share and synchronize media playback queues across multiple devices, particularly when devices are associated with different households or user accounts. The system includes a first playback device associated with a first household, a second playback device associated with a second household, and a third playback device associated with a third household. The first and third households may be the same, meaning the first and third playback devices are associated with the same household. The system obtains an indication of one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device by receiving permission to mirror those items after the third playback device sends a request to the second playback device to mirror the second playback queue. This allows users to share and synchronize media playback queues across devices, even when those devices are associated with different households, by obtaining explicit permission before mirroring the queue. The system ensures that media playback queues can be shared securely and efficiently, enhancing the user experience for multi-device media playback.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the first household is the same as the third household such that the first playback device and the third playback device are associated with the first household, the first playback device further comprising program logic to distribute the one or more media items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device that mirrors the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device to the third playback device to facilitate playback of the audio in synchrony with the third playback device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a multi-device audio playback system designed to synchronize media playback across different households. The problem addressed is the lack of synchronization between playback devices in separate households, which can disrupt coordinated listening experiences. The system includes a first playback device in a first household and a second playback device in a second household, each with a playback queue of media items. The first playback device identifies media items in its queue that mirror those in the second device's queue and distributes these items to a third playback device in the first household. This ensures synchronized playback between the first and third devices, allowing users in the same household to listen to the same media in unison with users in another household. The system leverages program logic to manage queue synchronization and media distribution, ensuring seamless playback coordination. This approach enables multi-household audio experiences while maintaining synchronization within a single household.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second playback device causes the first playback device to play back the audio, and wherein the first playback device controls pausing of the playback of the audio.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a multi-device audio playback system where one device initiates playback while another device controls playback functions. The system includes at least two playback devices, where a first device is responsible for playing back audio content, and a second device manages the playback process. The second device sends commands to the first device to start, stop, or adjust playback, while the first device retains control over pausing the audio. This setup allows for distributed control, where one device handles playback execution while another device manages higher-level playback commands. The system ensures that playback functions like pausing are centralized in the device responsible for audio output, improving synchronization and user experience. The invention addresses the need for flexible, coordinated audio playback across multiple devices while maintaining clear control hierarchies.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein determining whether the first playback device has access to at least one media source that has the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device comprises determining whether the first playback device has or does not have a paid subscription to the at least one media source that has the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device.

Plain English Translation

A media playback system synchronizes playback between multiple devices, ensuring seamless transitions when switching between them. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining uninterrupted playback when a user moves from one device to another, particularly when media items are sourced from different streaming services or require specific access permissions. The system includes a first playback device and a second playback device, each capable of playing media items from one or more media sources. The second playback device generates a second playback queue containing media items from a media source. The system determines whether the first playback device has access to the same media source by checking if it has a paid subscription to that source. If the first playback device lacks access, the system may prevent playback or suggest alternative media items. This ensures that playback remains consistent and uninterrupted across devices, even when access permissions vary. The system may also include features for managing playback queues, synchronizing playback states, and handling transitions between devices to enhance user experience.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first household is associated with a first structure in a first geographic location and the second household is associated with a second structure in a second geographic location, and the first geographic location is located remote from the second geographic location.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing household energy consumption across multiple geographically dispersed locations. The system addresses the challenge of optimizing energy usage in households that are physically separated but may share common energy management needs, such as coordinating renewable energy generation, load balancing, or demand response strategies. The system includes at least two households, each associated with a distinct structure in different geographic locations. The first household is linked to a first structure in a first geographic area, while the second household is linked to a second structure in a second geographic area, with the two locations being remote from each other. The system enables communication and coordination between these households to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance grid stability. This may involve sharing energy data, adjusting consumption patterns, or integrating renewable energy sources across the dispersed locations. The system may also include energy storage devices, smart appliances, or grid-interactive technologies to facilitate this coordination. By linking households in different geographic areas, the system allows for more flexible and resilient energy management, particularly in scenarios where local energy conditions vary significantly.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the first geographic location is a first city and the second geographic location is a second city.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing and analyzing geographic data, specifically for comparing and processing information between two distinct geographic locations. The system is designed to address challenges in data correlation and analysis across different regions, such as cities, by providing a structured framework for handling location-specific datasets. The system includes a data processing module that collects and organizes geographic data from multiple sources, such as sensors, databases, or user inputs. This module ensures that data from different locations is standardized and comparable. A comparison module then evaluates the data from a first city and a second city, identifying patterns, trends, or discrepancies between the two locations. The system may also include visualization tools to present the analyzed data in a user-friendly format, such as maps or charts, to facilitate decision-making. The system is particularly useful for applications like urban planning, traffic management, or environmental monitoring, where understanding differences between cities is critical. By automating the comparison process, the system reduces manual effort and improves accuracy in geographic data analysis. The invention ensures that data from different cities is properly aligned and interpreted, enabling more informed decisions based on location-specific insights.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the first geographic location is a first state and the second geographic location is a second state.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing geographic-based data, specifically for tracking and processing information across different states. The system includes a data processing module that receives and processes data associated with a first geographic location, such as a first state, and a second geographic location, such as a second state. The system further includes a data storage module that stores the processed data in a structured format, allowing for efficient retrieval and analysis. The system also includes a user interface module that enables users to input, view, and modify the geographic-based data, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information. Additionally, the system may include a validation module that verifies the accuracy and consistency of the data before storage, reducing errors and ensuring reliability. The system is designed to handle data specific to different states, facilitating compliance with regional regulations and requirements. This invention addresses the need for a robust and scalable system capable of managing geographic-based data across multiple states, improving data accuracy, accessibility, and compliance.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. A method carried out by a system comprising: a first playback device associated with a first household and configured to play back media items from a first playback queue; a physically-separate user device that is configured to communicate with the first playback device via a local area network; and a second playback device associated with a second household and configured to play back media items from a second playback queue, wherein the second playback device is outside of a communication range of the local area network and wherein the first playback device is configured to communicate with the second playback device via a wide area network, the method comprising: receiving, by the user device, a first user input indicating a command to search a database of social contacts, wherein the database of social contacts includes a particular social contact associated with the second playback device that is configured to play back media items from the second playback queue; receiving, by the user device, a second user input indicating that the first playback device is to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device, wherein the second user input comprises a selection of the particular social contact; based on the received second user input, sending, by the user device, a command to mirror to the first playback device instructing the first playback device to update the first playback queue of the first playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device; receiving, by the first playback device, the command-instructing the first playback device to update the first playback queue of the first playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device; as a result of receiving the command from the user device, obtaining, by the first playback device from the second playback device, an indication of one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device; in response to obtaining the indication of the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device, determining that the first playback device has access to at least one media source that has the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device; in response to the determination that the first playback device has access to at least one media source that has the one or more media items identified in the playback queue of the second playback device, updating, by the first playback device, the first playback queue of the first playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device such that the one or more items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device are the same as the one or more media items identified in the second playback queue of the second playback device; and after updating the first playback queue of the first playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device, playing back, by the first playback device, the one or more media items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

A system enables synchronized media playback between households using networked playback devices. The system includes a first playback device in a first household, a user device connected to it via a local area network, and a second playback device in a second household, which is outside the local network's range but reachable via a wide area network. The user device allows a user to search a database of social contacts and select a contact associated with the second playback device. Upon selection, the user device sends a command to the first playback device to mirror the second device's playback queue. The first playback device then retrieves the media items from the second device's queue, verifies access to those items through available media sources, and updates its own queue to match. The first playback device then plays the mirrored media items. This system enables seamless sharing and synchronization of media playback queues between geographically separated households, leveraging both local and wide-area networking to facilitate the exchange of playback data.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising: before receiving the command, sending a request to the second playback device to mirror the second playback queue of the second playback device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to audio playback systems, specifically methods for synchronizing playback queues between multiple playback devices. The problem addressed is the lack of seamless integration between separate playback devices, where users must manually transfer or recreate playlists to maintain synchronized playback across devices. The invention provides a solution by enabling automatic mirroring of a playback queue from one device to another, ensuring consistent audio experiences across multiple playback devices. The method involves a first playback device sending a request to a second playback device to mirror its playback queue. Upon receiving the command, the second playback device transmits its current playback queue to the first device. The first device then updates its own playback queue to match the second device's queue, including the order of tracks and any playback settings. This ensures that both devices play the same sequence of audio content in sync. The method may also include additional steps such as verifying compatibility between the devices, handling conflicts in queue settings, and confirming user authorization before mirroring. The invention improves user convenience by automating the synchronization process, reducing manual intervention, and maintaining consistency in multi-device audio playback environments.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The method of claim 16 , further comprising: receiving, by the first playback device, a message indicating that the first playback device is to update the first playback queue of the first playback device based on updates to the one or more media items identified in the second the playback queue of the second playback device; and based on the received message, updating, by the first playback device, the first playback queue of the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to synchronized media playback systems, specifically methods for updating playback queues across multiple playback devices. The problem addressed is maintaining consistency between playback queues of different devices when media items are modified in one device's queue, ensuring seamless playback transitions and user experience. The method involves a first playback device receiving a message indicating that its playback queue should be updated based on changes to media items in a second playback device's queue. The first playback device then updates its own queue accordingly. This ensures that if media items are added, removed, or reordered in the second device's queue, the first device's queue reflects those changes, maintaining synchronization between the devices. The system likely operates in a networked environment where playback devices communicate to share queue updates, allowing coordinated playback across multiple devices. This method is particularly useful in multi-room audio systems or synchronized media playback scenarios where multiple devices must stay in sync to provide a cohesive listening or viewing experience.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The method of claim 16 , further comprising: receiving a playback command, by the first playback device from the user device, to modify playback of the one or more media items in the first playback queue of the first playback device; and based on the received playback command, modifying playback of the one or more media items in the first playback queue of the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing media playback across multiple playback devices allows users to control playback of media items in a playback queue. The system includes a user device that communicates with a first playback device to send playback commands, such as play, pause, skip, or adjust volume. The first playback device maintains a first playback queue containing one or more media items and can modify playback of those items based on commands received from the user device. The system may also include a second playback device that synchronizes playback with the first playback device, ensuring coordinated playback across multiple devices. The user device can send commands to either the first or second playback device to control playback, and the system ensures that playback adjustments are reflected across all synchronized devices. This allows users to manage media playback seamlessly across different playback devices, maintaining synchronization and consistency in playback behavior.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The method of claim 16 , further comprising: receiving, by the first playback device from the user device, a second command indicating that the first playback device is to transmit a review of the first playback queue; and based on the second command, transmitting, by the first playback device, the review of the first playback queue.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing and sharing playback queues among multiple playback devices. The problem addressed is the lack of efficient mechanisms for users to review and share their playback queues across different devices, particularly in multi-device audio or media playback environments. The system includes a first playback device that maintains a first playback queue of media items. The playback device can receive a first command from a user device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to transmit the first playback queue to a second playback device. The first playback device then transmits the playback queue to the second device, allowing the second device to synchronize or adopt the queue for playback. Additionally, the system enables the first playback device to receive a second command from the user device to transmit a review of the first playback queue. In response, the first playback device sends the review, which may include details such as the list of media items, their order, or playback status, to the user device for display or further sharing. This functionality enhances user control over media playback across multiple devices, ensuring consistency and enabling seamless transitions between different playback environments. The system is particularly useful in smart home or multi-room audio setups where users may want to transfer or review playback queues between devices.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The method of claim 16 , further comprising: receiving, by the first playback device from the user device, a second command, the second command indicating that the first playback device is to stop mirroring of the second playback queue of the second playback device; in response to the second command, stopping, by the first playback device, mirroring of the second playback queue of the second playback device; and restoring a prior playback queue that is associated with the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to audio playback systems, specifically methods for managing mirrored playback queues between multiple playback devices. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically adjust playback synchronization between devices, particularly when a user wants to stop mirroring a secondary device's queue and revert to a primary device's original playback state. The method involves a first playback device that is mirroring a second playback queue from a second playback device. A user device sends a second command to the first playback device, instructing it to cease mirroring the second playback queue. Upon receiving this command, the first playback device stops mirroring the second playback queue and restores its prior playback queue, which was associated with the first playback device before mirroring began. This ensures that the first playback device resumes playback from its original queue, maintaining user preferences and playback continuity. The method may also include the first playback device receiving a first command to begin mirroring the second playback queue, synchronizing playback with the second device, and then later stopping this synchronization when instructed. This allows flexible control over playback synchronization in multi-device audio systems.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. The method of claim 16 , wherein the second playback device controls whether the first playback device plays, skips, or stops playback of the one or more items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device and the first playback device does not control whether the first playback device plays, skips, or stops playback of the one or more items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing audio playback across multiple playback devices, particularly where one device controls playback actions while another device lacks such control. The problem addressed is the need for centralized control of playback in multi-device audio systems, ensuring consistent and coordinated playback behavior without requiring each device to independently manage playback actions. The system includes at least two playback devices, each with a playback queue of audio items. A first playback device generates a first playback queue containing one or more audio items. A second playback device is configured to control playback actions—such as play, skip, or stop—of the items in the first playback queue of the first device. The first playback device, however, does not have the ability to control its own playback actions for the items in its queue. This ensures that playback decisions are centralized in the second device, preventing conflicts or inconsistencies in playback behavior across devices. The system may also include additional playback devices that synchronize playback with the first device, further enhancing coordinated audio playback. The invention improves user experience by simplifying control and ensuring seamless playback coordination in multi-device environments.

Claim 23

Original Legal Text

23. The method of claim 16 , wherein the system comprises a third playback device associated with a third household and having a third playback queue; the method further comprising updating the third playback queue of the third playback device to mirror the first playback queue of the first playback device such that one or more items identified in the third playback queue of the third playback device are the same as the one or more media items identified in the first playback queue of the first playback device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a multi-device media playback system that synchronizes playback queues across different households. The system addresses the problem of managing media playback across multiple locations by allowing a playback queue from one household to be mirrored in another household's playback device. The system includes at least a first playback device associated with a first household and a second playback device associated with a second household, each with their own playback queues. The method involves detecting a trigger condition, such as a user command or a predefined event, and in response, updating the second playback queue to mirror the first playback queue. This ensures that the media items in the second household's playback device match those in the first household's device. The system may also include a third playback device associated with a third household, which similarly updates its playback queue to mirror the first playback queue. The synchronization ensures that all mirrored playback queues contain the same media items, allowing seamless playback coordination across multiple households. The method may involve real-time or scheduled updates to maintain consistency between the queues. This approach simplifies media management for users who want synchronized playback experiences across different locations.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

March 10, 2020

Inventors

Steven Beckhardt

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